SOAP BOX
FROM VILLAIN TO VICTIM
Great white sharks have long been portrayed as the villains of the deep. But instead of being feared, they should be respected and protected, writes Rachel Moncrieff-Robinson(@ tipsygypsy _ SA).
Many of us remember the 1975 Steven Spielberg movie Jaws that had people scuttling out of the waves faster than you can say“ shark!” Sadly, the movie seemed to have a far greater and more chilling consequence – a magnificent apex predator and ancient custodian of the ocean became vilified. By 2009, great whites were listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
While no accurate global population numbers are available, it’ s been estimated that between 3 000 and 5 000 great white sharks remain in our oceans. A recent study, done over seven years and involving analysis of over 5 000 photographs of shark dorsal fins by Dr Sara Andreotti( PhD), a marine biologist at the University of Stellenbosch, revealed that the great white population in South Africa sits at around 500.
While the study caused controversy in scientific circles due to seemingly low numbers, another national study in collaboration with White Shark Research Group scientists is underway. The alarming facts from the research is the genetic analysis( not the shark numbers) which indicates there are around 300 breeding individuals, while 500 breeding individuals are needed to prevent inbreeding.
This will inevitably result in a reduction in numbers and, to Andreotti, their numbers might already be too low to ensure their survival. Add to this slow growth, late sexual maturity and a low estimated reproductive rate and we face a catastrophe in the making.
Whether or not the actual number of great white sharks is higher than estimated, they face a constant reduction. And if they become extinct, the balance of the ocean will be adversely affected. Sharks target the sick and slowest individuals of a prey population, preventing the spread of diseases. They also curb an increase in the population of meso-predators( smaller sharks and marine mammals that they feed on, such as seals). With fewer great whites, we’ ll see a sharp reduction in fish stocks by these smaller predators, which will affect our fishing industry and ultimately, us.
Remove the fear, remove the nets
Most people won’ t think twice about going for a hike, even though they could be bitten by a snake. The chances of being nabbed by a shark are equally slim when swimming in the ocean, yet our beaches are lined with gill nets to keep sharks out. These
Travel Update | issue 9
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